NSDTA launching ‘Thai-Fungi’ phone app

BANGKOK, July 23 — Thailand’s National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA) next month will launch a smartphone application called “Thai-Fungi” next month, aiming to create a learning database on insect fungi and present knowledge about the diversity of Thai biology.

The National Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (BIOTEC), a member of NSTDA, has developed the smartphone application which stores data for more than 100 species of insect fungi found in Thailand.

The application displays picture samples of each species, along with their scientific terms and descriptions.

The application provides a platform for interested people to upload photos of insect fungi on Facebook and/or email pictures to ask researchers for for more information and expertise via the application.

The centre hopes that the application will help give interested youths and the wider public easier access into learning more about the Thai biological and ecological systems, and the country’s more than 400 species of insect fungi.

Studies revealed that insect fungi have qualities to create toxins that could cure agricultural diseases.

The application is scheduled to be officially launched at the 10th International Mycological Congress at Queen Sirikit Convention Centre which opens August 4 for five days.